Getting to the point where your baby is sleeping through the night is a dream of most mothers. But we have to remember that babies should double their birth weight by five or six months of age. Your baby should be his own gauge for how much and how often he nurses.

In the early weeks and months of life it is common for a baby to wake several times at night to nurse. Many babies naturally cluster feed in the evening for several reasons: The first is that mom’s milk supply is highest in the early morning and then decreases throughout the day. Another reason is that babies tend to be fussier in the evening and nursing is a natural way to soothe and calm them.

I recommend breast compression while nursing to ensure your baby is satiated. Breast compression is very simple: Position your free hand in the “C” position around the breast and gently squeeze. This helps drain the breast more of the fatty hindmilk to the baby, which will keep him fuller longer.